Borger's First Jail History Often Lurid
Borger News Herald, 1928
Shack of small dimensions held as many as 80 prisoners.

In the early days of Borger two years ago, one of the most important structures of the time that since has been pushed back and removed for progress was a wooden shack with dimension of approximately 14 X 30 known as the city jail.

     When the bootleggers, gamblers, hijackers and other undesirables flocked to the oilfield early in 1926 citizens immediately realized the necessity for a jail. This ancient structure is said to have been erected and had occupants in 36 hours after construction work started.

     On the west side from the floor to the ceiling two tiers of projections known as beds were installed and a few blankets spread to afford covering for the prisoners. In the center of the building were two posts used as stakes for the chain which shackled the legs of the unruly. Near the center of the building a large iron barrel was situated from which gas heat emanated to provide warmth. Only one window on the south side furnished light for the building.

     When Borger had a population of 30 or more thousands the little shack is known to have contained as many as 80 prisoners at one time. Forty arrests in one day was considered a pretty dull day for the police and sheriff departments.

     Criminals whose names have been heard throughout the country have been registered on the entry docket and spent a few hours within the four walls of the structure. A list of persons mounting into the thousands charged with intoxication spent a few hours in the room.

     There were so many suspicious characters in Borger at that time that it became necessary to book many of them on charges of investigation. When a violation of the law occurred and the participants or those guilty were not known it was not unusual to see the names of 30 or 40 suspects docketed for investigation at the old jail.

     The only reminder today of this ancient structure is a few pictures taken in bygone days. It was torn down last November upon completion of the new $30,000 city hall, where the jail is now situated with practically every modern convenience.